Press and daily Dakotaian. (Yankton, Dakota Territory [S.D.]) 1880-1889, 1887-02-12
CANADIAN FISHERIES.

correspondence Relative to the
Trouble with Our Canada Nei%hb0rs.
Washington special: The correspon-
dence sent to the house of representa-
tives by the president yesterday, relating
to the Canadian fisheries question,
covers the period from December 8th to
the present time. One communication
from Lansdowne emphasizes the state
ment that the British government does
not desire to curtail any of the privil-
eyes enjoyed by the United States
fishermen In Canadian waters, but it
observes that there were Just grounds
for the action taken in respect to the
Nelson end Steel. November Sd, the
Earl OF lddesleigh writes to Minister
Phelps saying Great Britain is desirous
OF Just settlement Of the fisheries ques-
tlon, is sorry not to discover spirit of
mutual concession on the part OF
the United States and suggests
submission of the details to
a commission, On December
le Lord Iddesieigh, in q communication
to Minister Phelps transmits the apology
of the Canadian government for having
hauled down the flag OF the Marion
Grimes. Abiding to the seizure OF tie
Everett Steel, Lord Iddesleigh says:
Her maiesty's government greatly re-
grets that incidents alluded to should
occur and that they could only renew
assurances conveyed to you In my notes
OF the S0th ultimo, that whilst firmly
resolved to uphold the undoubted treaty
rights of her msjesty's North American
/ subjects, in regard to fisheries, there will
be equelly maintained tho andoubted
rights of the United States fishermen to
obtain in Canadian points Gnder such
restrictions rs may be necessary to pre-
vent their abusing the privileges re-
served to them by the treaty" On Jan
| uary 26. Minister Phelps writes to Lord
Salisbury, reminding him Of the import.
ahce, before the commencement OF an
other fishing season, Of coming to Q
distinct understanding between the
United States government and that oil
her majesty relative to the course to be
pursued by the Canadian authorities
toward American vessels. Minister
Phelps sets forth ct considerable length
tho position maintained by the United
II States, characterizes the action of the
4 Canadian government as harsh, un.
reasonable and unfriendly. He then
Las been directed to obtaining revision
OF the existing treaty, but its efforts
have been OF such character as to pre-
ciude the prospect OF successful negotia
ton as long as they continue so Sc
riously to endanger the friendly
relations between the United States ant
Great Britain. and aPide from the ques
, tion as to the right OF American vessel
/ TO purchase bait in Canadian ports, sucl
, . construction has been given to th
: treaty between the United States ant
!, Great Britain as to amount almost to
: declaration Of complete non-intercourst
, He concludes as follows: In view @
j the very grave questions which exist q
5 to the extent Of those rights, IN respec
: to which the views OF the United State
: government differ widely from those iu
8 sisted upon by her maiesty's govern
i, ment, il does not seem to me an unrea
!. sonable proposal that the two govern
I ments by temporary and mutual con
8 oesaioD. without prejudice, should OF
deayor to reach some mutual ground q
9 ad interim construction by whiah th
9 existing friendly relations may be pr
9 served until some permanent treas
o arrangement can be made.